A major initiative for Dyer Observatory is to ensure Vanderbilt students, faculty, and staff are included in our educational programming, and for many students it is difficult and costly to get off main campus to come to Dyer’s hilltop. So, when possible, Dyer comes to the students. On the evening of April 1, Dyer Observatory director Dr. Billy Teets brought two telescopes to the Wilson Hall patio for students to get up-close views of Jupiter, its four large moons, and our own Moon. In all, 82 students turned up to peer through eyepieces, get some free Moon Pies courtesy of Director of Upper-Division Engagement Roshaunda Ross-Orta, and learn a little astronomy. A few students even glimpsed the International Space Station through gaps in trees as it passed low to the horizon. Timing was impeccable as Tuesday ended up having the only clear evening that week.
As a reminder, Vanderbilt students are always welcome to come to our public events and can get in FREE just by emailing dyerobservatory@vanderbilt.edu from their own Vanderbilt email. Dyer staff are planning to return to main campus for another viewing night during in the fall, hopefully establishing a semesterly tradition!
